Championship

BIG RESULTS IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP

19 Aug 2023
football
© Paul Harvey

The third round of action in the highly competitive Playr-Fit Championship produced victories for Ballinamallard United, Ballyclare Comrades, Dergview, Dundela and Newington.

Annagh United remain top of the table – and now the only unbeaten side in the league – following a scoreless draw at home to Ards despite both sides have opportunities to secure the points.

Ballinamallard United are second on goal difference, one of no fewer than six sides a point behind Ciaran McGurgan’s side, after sweeping to a 3-0 defeat of Knockbreda at Ferney Park.

Aaron Harkin opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark from the spot, with Alex Holder doubling up moments from the break. Peter Maguire then completed the scoring on the hour.

Dergview bagged a stoppage time winner as they defeated HW Welders by the odd goal in five at the Blanchflower Stadium.

Gareth Harkin edged the visitors in front on six minutes but goals from Aidan Finnegan and Michael McLellan handed the Welders the advantage at the break.

Keith Cowan levelled for Dergview early in the second half, with Padraig Lynch bagging the late winner on the counter attack with the last kick of the game!

Zach Barr bagged a first half hat-trick as Newington stormed back from a goal down to get the better of Institute at the Brandywell.

Mark Mbuli fired ‘Stute in front on six minutes with a chipped finish, but Barr levelled not long after that with a header from a corner.

Barr then struck twice late in the half to ultimately secure the points for the Swans.

And at Dixon Park Ballyclare Comrades hit back after falling behind early on to Portadown.

The Ports raced into a third minute lead after Ryan Mayse found the net following a scramble in the box.

That was how it stayed until just after the hour when Gary Donelly slammed home the equaliser, with Calvin McCurry then popping up nine minutes from time to finish from inside the six-yard box.

Rea opened the scoring for the Duns after a quarter-of-an-hour with a curling effort from the edge of the box, and doubled up eight minutes before the with a deflected finish past Bangor keeper James Taylor.

The Seasiders hit back midway through the second half when, from Ben Cushnie's inswinging corner, Ben Arthurs nodded beyond Alex Henderson.